The Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Health (MoH) on Wednesday, organized the Primary Healthcare Workshop on Telemedicine at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Benin City.
The event attracted stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and partners, all united by a common goal of enhancing primary healthcare through the strategic integration of telemedicine.
With the theme: “Delivering Value in Primary Healthcare: The Role of Telemedicine”, the workshop served as a platform to engage stakeholders on existing telemedicine structure provided by the Edo State Government, strategies for expanding the service, its impact on primary healthcare services, and the potential ripple effect on life expectancy in the state.
The workshop commenced with an opening remark from the Edo State Head of Service, Barrister Anthony Okungbowa who highlighted the importance of primary healthcare and how telemedicine can help reach more people, particularly with the fiber optics connections made available in the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) by the Edo State Government.
The Edo State Head of Service,
Barrister Anthony Okungbowa, encouraged participants and the general public to embrace the innovative potential of telemedicine, using diverse approaches to ensure its effective utilization in delivering optimal healthcare to Edo residents.
Speaking at the event, the Edo State Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, provided valuable insights into Edo State’s journey in healthcare transformation. He further stated that the potential of telemedicine to revolutionize primary healthcare is immense as it promises a future where healthcare equity is achievable, where every individual, regardless of geographical location, can access quality healthcare services.
“This vision aligns with our objectives for this telemedicine workshop: to collaboratively explore strategies for the expansion of telemedicine services, to tackle the infrastructural and regulatory challenges, and to pave the way for a more resilient healthcare system in Edo State,” Dr. Samuel Alli said.
Adding to the discourse, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA ) articulated a bold vision for telemedicine expansion. With plans to connect 50 Government Clinics (Formerly known as primary healthcare centers) through fiber optics by August 2024,
“These 50 Clinics will be able to conduct consultation via telemedicine. 10 Clinics will be turned on by the end of April, 2024 leaving 40 more to go,” Dr. Izedonmwen maintained.
Dr. Izedonmwen further expressed that under the leadership of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Agency has started the revolutionary STREAM initiative which is an acronym for it’s transformation agenda. The acronym stands for “Staffing, Technology, Renovation, Equipment, Alternative Source of power and Management”.
During the workshop, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Edo State House of Assembly, Honorable Dr. Richard Edosa emphasized the significance of telemedicine for the people of Edo State. He expressed gratitude towards the Government for prioritizing the well-being of its citizens and acknowledged the imperative of ensuring that every Edo person receives adequate healthcare through the telemedicine initiative.
A lecture was delivered by Professor Michael C. Asuzu, a renowned Professor of Community Health and Epidemiology, Department of Community Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, on the relationship between primary healthcare, telemedicine, and increased life expectancy. His comprehensive analysis emphasized the transformative potential of telemedicine in reshaping healthcare paradigms.
A panel comprising representatives from Geniserve Technology, E-Clat, Telemedicine practitioners in Edo, EDSPHCDA, Edo Digital Agency, delved into various topics of discussion such as strategies for improving access to telemedicine services, overcoming challenges in implementing telemedicine in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs),
Identifying enablers, and other factors crucial for successful telemedicine deployment, community engagement strategies to increase awareness and usage of telemedicine, data as an enabler to ensure equitable access to telemedicine across different demographics, addressing concerns and misconceptions about telemedicine among the community (Practitioner and End Users).
A thought provoking keynote address was delivered by Dr. Philip Osehobo who spoke on how telemedicine began in Edo, while also emphasising the key role of telemedicine in revolutionizing primary healthcare. His address highlighted the theme’s essence; the importance of using telemedicine in delivering value to the primary healthcare landscape.
The collective resolve of the Telemedicine Workshop was to harness the innovation of telemedicine technology in achieving healthier and more prosperous individuals and communities in Edo State.
